Imagine sitting down to a steaming bowl of beef ramen noodle soup, filled with tender slices of beef, earthy shiitake mushrooms, and flavorful broth, all topped with a soft-boiled egg and fresh green onions. It’s the ultimate comfort food that not only warms you up but also satisfies your taste buds with a rich and savory experience.
Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight dinner or a meal that feels like a hug in a bowl, beef ramen noodle soup is the perfect choice. And the best part? It’s easy to make at home, with a simple process and a handful of fresh ingredients that deliver restaurant-quality flavor.
Let’s dive into this delicious recipe and explore how you can bring the magic of ramen into your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love Beef Ramen Noodle Soup
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Packed with Flavor: The rich broth, tender beef, and fresh toppings combine for an unforgettable taste.
- Customizable: Add your favorite vegetables or adjust the seasonings to make it your own.
- Nutritious: Filled with protein, fiber, and nutrients, it’s a meal that’s as wholesome as it is delicious.
Ingredients for Beef Ramen Noodle Soup
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this hearty and satisfying dish.
| Category | Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| For the Soup Base | Olive oil | 1 tablespoon, divided |
| Boneless sirloin steak (cut into ¼-inch slices) | 1 pound (454 g) | |
| Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves | |
| Fresh ginger (minced) | 1 tablespoon (7 g) | |
| Thinly sliced shiitake mushrooms | 5 ounces (142 g) | |
| Coconut aminos or low-sodium soy sauce | 4 tablespoons | |
| Fish sauce | 1 tablespoon | |
| Beef broth | 4 cups (946 ml) | |
| Kosher salt | ½ teaspoon | |
| Black pepper | ½ teaspoon | |
| Dried or fresh ramen noodles | See notes | |
| Optional Toppings | Soft-boiled eggs | 4 (halved) |
| Sliced green onions | ¼ cup (25 g) | |
| Lime wedges | 1 lime |
How to Make Beef Ramen Noodle Soup
1. Prepare the Beef
- Start by cutting the boneless sirloin steak into thin ¼-inch slices. This ensures quick and even cooking.
- Season the beef slices with a pinch of salt and pepper for added flavor.
2. Sear the Beef
- Heat ½ tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Add the sliced beef and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until browned but not fully cooked.
- Remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Aromatics
- In the same pot, heat the remaining ½ tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and ginger, stirring for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Cook the Mushrooms
- Add the thinly sliced shiitake mushrooms to the pot.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are tender and slightly golden.
5. Build the Broth
- Stir in the coconut aminos (or soy sauce) and fish sauce.
- Pour in the beef broth, then season with kosher salt and black pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
6. Cook the Ramen Noodles
- While the broth is simmering, cook the ramen noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
7. Add the Beef Back In
- Return the seared beef slices to the pot and let them cook in the simmering broth for 1-2 minutes, or until fully cooked and tender.
8. Assemble the Bowls
- Divide the cooked ramen noodles evenly between serving bowls.
- Ladle the hot beef and broth mixture over the noodles.
9. Add Toppings
- Top each bowl with optional soft-boiled egg halves, sliced green onions, and a wedge of lime.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade beef ramen noodle soup!
Tips for Perfect Beef Ramen Noodle Soup
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, ginger, and shiitake mushrooms enhance the flavor and aroma of the dish.
- Choose the Right Noodles: Authentic ramen noodles are ideal, but you can also use soba or udon noodles as substitutes.
- Don’t Overcook the Beef: Sear the beef quickly and let it finish cooking in the broth for a tender texture.
- Adjust the Salt: Taste the broth before serving and adjust the seasoning with more salt, soy sauce, or fish sauce if needed.
- Customize the Toppings: Add bok choy, bean sprouts, or chili oil for extra flavor and texture.
Nutritional Information
Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional content per serving (serves 4):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 380 |
| Protein | 28g |
| Carbohydrates | 34g |
| Fat | 14g |
| Sodium | 910mg |
FAQs About Beef Ramen Noodle Soup
1. Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Yes! Thinly sliced chicken breast or thigh works well as a substitute for beef in this recipe.
2. What can I use if I don’t have ramen noodles?
You can substitute ramen noodles with soba noodles, udon noodles, or even spaghetti in a pinch.
3. Is fish sauce necessary?
Fish sauce adds a depth of flavor, but if you don’t have it, you can substitute it with a splash of Worcestershire sauce.
4. Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Use vegetable broth, skip the beef, and add tofu or extra mushrooms for a plant-based version.
5. How do I store leftovers?
Store the broth and noodles separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the broth on the stove and add freshly cooked noodles before serving.
6. How do I make the broth spicier?
Add a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce, Sriracha, or red pepper flakes to the broth for an extra kick.
Serving Suggestions
Beef ramen noodle soup is a complete meal on its own, but you can pair it with these sides for a feast:
- Gyoza (Japanese Dumplings): A great appetizer that complements the flavors of the soup.
- Seaweed Salad: Light and refreshing with a touch of umami.
- Steamed Edamame: A simple and healthy snack to start your meal.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
- Make the Broth Ahead: Prepare the broth up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat before adding the noodles and beef.
- Freeze for Later: The broth (without noodles) can be frozen in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
Your Turn to Create a Flavorful Bowl of Ramen
Now that you have the recipe and all the tips, it’s time to bring this delicious dish to life in your own kitchen. Beef ramen noodle soup is comforting, flavorful, and easy to make, making it perfect for any occasion.
Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy the satisfaction of creating a restaurant-quality meal at home. Once you taste your homemade ramen, you’ll never look at takeout the same way again. Happy cooking!
Beef Ramen Noodle Soup: A Warm and Hearty Bowl of Comfort
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil divided
- 1 pound 454 g boneless sirloin steak, cut into ¼-inch slices
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tablespoon 7 g minced fresh ginger
- 5 ounces 142 g thinly sliced shiitake mushrooms
- 4 tablespoons coconut aminos or low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 4 cups 946 ml beef broth
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Dried or fresh ramen noodles
Optional Toppings
- 4 soft-boiled eggs halved
- ¼ cup 25 g sliced green onions
- 1 lime cut into wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef! Slice the sirloin steak into thin ¼-inch pieces. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Sear the Beef: Heat ½ tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until browned but not fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pot, add the remaining olive oil. Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Cook the Mushrooms: Add the shiitake mushrooms and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and slightly golden.
- Build the Broth: Stir in coconut aminos (or soy sauce) and fish sauce. Pour in the beef broth, then season with salt and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer for 10 minutes.
- Cook the Noodles: While the broth is simmering, prepare the ramen noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Add the Beef Back: Return the beef to the pot, letting it cook for 1-2 minutes in the broth until fully cooked and tender.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cooked noodles between serving bowls. Ladle the beef and broth mixture over the noodles.
- Garnish and Serve: Top with optional soft-boiled eggs, green onions, and lime wedges. Serve immediately and enjoy!